Birds of the Great Rift Valley

Details & Itinerary

Day 1 – Nairobi:

Upon arrival at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, you will be met by a representative of Akara Expeditions and transferred to a local hotel where you will check-in and later we proceed to Nairobi National Park, an ornithological paradise starter within the city environs. In the afternoon visit the National Museum Bird Gallery, followed by a short bird walk at Nairobi National Museum Botanic Garden. Here we anticipate seeing species like the Variable Sunbird, Bronze Sunbird and the Collard Sunbird, African Goshawk, Palm swift, Baglafetch Weaver, among others.

Day 02 – Lake Naivasha:

Morning departure to Lake Naivasha. Lake Naivasha consists of a shallow freshwater lake surrounded by lush acacia woodland and open grassland. There is an abundance of dense vegetation framing the edge of the lake, making for a glorious habitat for the prolific bird life.

Naivasha has over 400 recorded bird species. The waters of the Lake attract many waterbirds including the continent’s highest concentration of African Fish Eagles, many Goliath Heron, Jacanas, Pied and Malachite Kingfisher, Red-knobbed coot, Spoonbills, Little Grebe, rare Maccoa Duck, African Darters and Saddle Billed Stork.

Day 03 – Lake Elementaita:

Morning departure to Lake Elementaita. Species of interest recorded here include both Lesser and Greater Flamingo, the remarkable Jackson’s Widowbird and the Grey crested helmet Shrike. Both Martial and Crowned Eagles have also been sighted here.

Day 04 – Lake Nakuru:

The breathtaking Lake Nakuru National Park is a mecca for a plethora of birds, specifically the flamingo. Apart from the obvious Greater and Lesser Flamingo, species of interest recorded here include many Great White Pelican and Black necked and Little Grebe, as well as rare Martial Eagle, Lesser Kestrel and Madagascar Squacco Heron.

Day 05 – Lake Bogoria:

Bogoria is an important bird area with a large population of flamingoes. Other species of interest recorded here include many Black necked Grebe, African Darter, White necked vulture and African Fish Eagle. The best way to see birdlife in this area is to travel around the lakeshore. The acacia forests and cliffs are both rich birding country.

Aside from the birds, Lake Bogoria is also home to other animals such as buffalo, zebra, baboon, warthog, caracal, spotted hyena, impala and dik dik.

Day 06 – Lake Baringo:

Lake Baringo is one of only two freshwater Rift Valley lakes, together with Lake Naivasha. The lake is home to more than 470 species of birds however – many of which breed on and around the lake. It is an important stop for migratory birds, both inter-Africa and globally. Species of interest recorded here include Jackson’s and Hemprich’s Hornbills, Bristle Crowned Starling, and waterbirds including Goliath Heron, White backed Duck, and African Skimmers and Darters.

The area is also home to a number of species such as Hippo, Crocodile, Zebra, Klipspringer, Grant’s gazelle, Chandler’s Mountain Reedbuck, and the rare Greater Kudu.

Day 07 – Lake Baringo / Nairobi:

Drive back to Nairobi and relax at a reserved hotel for dinner and overnight stay.